'Today' and 'GMA' cancel Halloween shows

Oct. 30, 2012
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This Oct. 31, 2011, photo shows co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, left, Ann Curry, Matt Lauer and Al Roker dressed as the royal family on the Halloween segment of the 'Today' show in New York. / Peter Kramer, AP

by Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

by Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

Halloween is always big on the morning TV shows. But Sandy has ruined that fun.

Both Today and Good Morning America are canceling their annual extravaganzas to focus on post-storm coverage.

Today's Halloween show on the plaza has been nixed "given the sensitivity of the storm," NBC tells us.

GMA had been planning a Ghoul Morning America "epic super-party in Times Scare," according to a release sent out last week. The GMA team - George Stephanopoulos, Josh Elliott, Sam Champion and Lara Spencer - was going to be transformed, and the party was to include a 300-pound jack-o'-lantern, a massive candy sculpture, dogs in costume, wacky contests and witches' brew.

But GMA said in a statement this morning: "Due to Hurricane Sandy, GMA's Halloween show is canceled for tomorrow. GMA will continue to provide comprehensive coverage and report on the latest on those millions affected by the devastating storm."

Meanwhile, the L.A. shows just keep on humming: The Talk glossed over Sandy on its show today and touted their big Halloween program tomorrow. And Access Hollywood Live featured the Amazing Race Chippendales pair -- shirtless, of course.

UPDATE, Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. ET: Wedneday's edition of Live with Kelly and Michael was to be Michael Strahan's first Halloween show - always a big to-do - with more than 40 different costumes are planned. But the show has just announced that it is postponing the fun until Monday. Look for Ripa and Strahan to spotlight many of this year's pop culture faves, including Honey Boo Boo, the New Jersey "Tan Mom," "Long Island Medium" Theresa Caputo, Oprah Winfrey and new mom Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi. Plus, with the presidential election a week away, the Obama and Romney campaigns also will receive special Halloween treatment.

Live with Kelly and Michael will be on the air live with Diane Sawyer on Wednesday.